HOME FRONT SPRING 2018
Christie Schultz has a
bright smile and happy
demeanor. When she talks about
her family and her time spent at the Ronald
McDonald House in Detroit, her eyes
light up. She’s been staying at the Ronald
McDonald House with her family for the
last 20 years, sometimes for a few nights,
and sometimes for a few weeks.
Christie’s daughter, Kyla, has been in and
out of Children’s Hospital of Michigan
for doctors appointments and surgeries
for most of her life. The Schultz family,
including Christie’s husband, Mike, and
their son, Mike Jr., drive from an hour
away so Kyla can see the cardiologists at
Children’s Hospital of Michigan, who are
among the best in the world.
When they came to Detroit for Kyla’s first
emergency visit to the hospital nearly 20
years ago, they didn’t know about the
Ronald McDonald House.
“The
first
time
we
came
here I
slept on
folding chairs
next to Kyla’s
bed for seven nights.
I hadn’t eaten a real meal
that whole time. I was so busy taking
care of her, I was exhausting myself. We
learned about the House and my husband
and I checked-in just in time for dinner. I
ate dinner, took a shower, and slept for
twelve hours straight, I was so tired.
“When you’re the parent of a sick kid,
you’re so discombobulated. You’re always
in this mindset of “go, go, go”. You’re so
busy worrying about your kid, you forget to
eat and sleep yourself. But the minute you
walk into the House and smell the food the
volunteers have made, and you’re greeted
by staff who remind you to take care of
yourself too, well, it just feels like home.”
Christie gets emotional talking about the
benefits the House has given her and
her family, especially the opportunity to
be right at Kyla’s side while she receives
treatment.
“The travel and medical costs alone are
a burden on our family’s budget,” said
Christie. “Even now that we live closer than
Lansing, having a place to stay for only ten
dollars a night is a gift. We have enough to
worry about with Kyla’s health, to have to
worry about where we were going to stay
and how we’re going to pay for it would
be unthinkable. And we’re so close. The
Everyone here cares, and we know it, and
we can feel it.
Home FrontA P U B L I C A T I O N O F R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E C H A R I T I E S D E T R O I T
SPRING 2018
There’s nothing like spring at Ronald
McDonald House Charities Detroit! Staff
and volunteers work together to bring
our garden and Home alive with beautiful
flowers. The warm sun lights our House,
bringing much-needed relief from cloudy
winter skies. Spring reminds us that we’re
constantly growing, and boy, are we ever!
In the fall of last year we brought a new
staff member on board and this summer
we’ll debut our Ronald McDonald Family
Room in Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
We’re working with Children’s Hospital
of Michigan to renovate a waiting room
space to better serve the families we both
care about so deeply. This new space will
be available for any family spending time
at the hospital and will feature a children’s
play area, a quiet, restful space, and a fully
renovated bathroom with a shower and
laundry. Look for before and after photos
in our Fall Newsletter!
Our growth is only possible thanks to
our amazing staff, volunteers, donors,
board of directors, and friends. Your hard
working hands, generous gifts, and words
of encouragement make this House truly
feel like a home away from home for the
families who stay here. We can’t wait to
see what else 2018 has in store for us
with you by our side!
Wishing you a happy spring full of growth!
Jennifer J. Litomisky
Executive Director
MEET THE SCHULTZ FAMILY
continued on page 4
A NOTE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
EVENT RECAPSOur JAZZY HOLIDAY TEA was a
lovely afternoon, raising nearly $23,000.
The fashion show and feature performer,
jazz musician, Kimmie Horne, were a huge
hit. Special thanks to event chair, Charlene
Mitchell, and all the fabulous sponsors and
volunteers.
Our second annual spring fun run, RACE INTO SPRING, sponsored by Kohl’s
was a great success! A warm up for
this summer’s Escape to Belle Isle, the
Fun Run had a great turnout and was a
great fundraiser. Thanks to the support
of Kohl’s, $10,000 has been raised so far,
with more to come!
The annual SPRING TEA at the Royal
Park Hotel, held just a few weeks ago,
gave us a great boost into summer. The
prizes, auctions, and entertainment were
the perfect complement to the beautiful
day. This year’s Derby theme was a huge
hit and many people showed up in their
best derby day outfits. This great event
couldn’t have happened without event
chair, Tami Damiani. Thank you, Tami!
benefiting
continued from page 1
TEN MAN JAM, a one-of-a-kind acoustic concert held at the Fillmore Detroit,
was an amazing fundraiser for us for the second year in a row! Staff, volunteers,
donors, and friends all enjoyed the great music and even better company. We raised
$22,000, thanks to Thad Szott, Jeff Schneider, and their partnership with 99.5 WYCD.
We also had a great partner in board member, Evan Perelekos, who works for the
Fillmore and got us insider information! We’d like to give a special shoutout to MGM
Grand Detroit and UAW Local #228 for sponsoring this great event.
HOME FRONT SPRING 2018
parking and the shuttle relieve another
financial burden. I know if Kyla calls me,
even in the middle of the night, I can be by
her side in less than 10 minutes.”
But the Ronald McDonald House of
Detroit is so much more than just
convenient. Christie says the real magic of
the House comes from the people in it.
“The volunteers here will remind you to
take care of yourself. They’re the voice
of reason that makes you take a break,
telling you it’s okay to relax and take a
breather and that you can’t be at the
hospital 24/7. They’ll ask me if I’ve eaten
today and if they can get something
for me, they’ll ask if I slept last night.
As a parent of a sick kid, you need that
reminder or you burn yourself out. The
first time we stayed here we had left
our house so quickly we didn’t grab any
toiletries. We told the front desk staff
that and they said ‘don’t worry, we’ve
got you’. They had
everything we
needed to
take care of
ourselves.
“Everyone
here cares,
and we
know it, and
we can feel it.
The volunteers
and staff are always
here and always willing to talk, asking
how we are, and it just takes the pressure
off. Here we can meet other parents,
even if they aren’t going through the
exact same thing, they get it. We can talk
to and mentally associate with someone
who’s going through the same thing.”
Christie is grateful for everyone at Ronald
McDonald House Charities Detroit. From
the volunteers who support residents
and make home cooked meals, to
the staff running things behind the
scenes, and the donors who make it all
possible, the people are what make the
Ronald McDonald House a welcoming,
comfortable place for parents during a
tough time.
GREECE IN THE GARDEN JUNE 14 We are so excited for this year’s Garden
Party! Our beautiful outdoor garden space
will be turned into a Grecian palace and
we’ll have food and drinks to match. Tours
of the House will be offered. Tickets are
$65 each.
LINGENFELTER DREAM CRUISE, DREAM CARS, DREAM HOUSE (D3) AUGUST 1 We’re hosting the D3 event at the
Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton and
you won’t want to miss it - it gets better
every year! The Lingenfelter’s have
some great new cars to showcase this
year and we are looking to add some
new features to the program.
JERRY GUIREY GOLF OUTING AUGUST 26 This day of relaxing golf at Springfield
Oaks Golf Course in Davisburg, MI is
a great day of fun and raising money
to support Ronald McDonald House
Charities Detroit!
UPCOMING EVENTSStay up-to-date on events by liking us on Facebook (Ronald
McDonald House Charities Detroit) and checking out our website
www.rmhc-detroit.org/calendar-of-events.
VINNI'S CHILDREN'S CHARITY GOLF OUTING
FIELDSTONE GOLF CLUB
JUNE 1 2018Registrat ion at 8 :00 AM
Dinner served at 3 :00
1984 Taylor Road
Auburn Hi l ls , MI 48326
B E N E F I T I N G
1 8 T H A N N U A L
For more information: Contact Linda Porter, RMHC Executive Assistant at (313) 966-0198 or
Contact Cary Adragna, event organizer, at (248) 821-8007 or visit us online at rmhc-detroit.org/calendar-of-events
VINNI’S CHILDREN’S CHARITY GOLF OUTING JUNE 1
The 18th annual Vinni’s Children’s Charity
Golf Outing is coming up June 1 at the
Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills. A
goal of $350,000 has been set, so please
come out and help us get there! Even
if you are not a golfer you can enjoy the
dinner, raffles, and auctions. Registration
fees are $135 per golfer and only $35 if
you just want to join us for dinner.
ESCAPE TO BELLE ISLE JULY 14
Our annual Escape to Belle Isle and GOah!
NOAH! Race will be bigger than ever this
year. We offer options for runners of all
experience levels with a Kids Fun Run,
2 mile, 5k, and 10k. Keep your fingers
crossed for great weather and come out
to join us for a gorgeous day on the island.
Registration is just $35 for adults and $25
for kids.
GREECEIN THE GARDEN
HOME FRONT SPRING 2018
DONOR SPOTLIGHTAt Ronald McDonald House Charities
Detroit, we rely on donors of all levels
to make a home away from home for
the families of critically ill and injured
children. Sometimes, families who have
stayed here become
donors after
their stay
so they
can help
families
who are
in the
same
position
they were
in just a few
years before.
Symmone is one of those donors. Her
story is below, in her own words.
“I’m from the Bahamas, I came to Detroit
to attend Wayne State University in
the fall of 2011. In 2013, shortly before
Thanksgiving, I noticed that I constantly
felt fatigued and was experiencing heart
palpitations and shortness of breath. I
didn’t think much of it and just figured it
was because of school-related stress and
I just needed rest.
“After visiting the doctor, I was diagnosed
with Evan’s Syndrome. Basically, it causes
my antibodies to attack my red blood cells
and platelets and my hemoglobin and
platelet counts were dangerously low.
“I called my parents and my father flew
to Detroit and checked into the Ronald
McDonald House. The staff was so
gracious and helpful and he was able to
stay there free of charge for the entire
week that I was in the hospital. Having
him there every day really made such a
huge difference because all of my family
lives in the Bahamas and I didn’t know
that many people in Detroit. Without
the Ronald McDonald House, my father
wouldn’t have had a place to stay and I
would have been all alone in the hospital.
“My father was able to stay with me
throughout the entire day until the end of
visiting hours. He stayed with me through
my three blood transfusions and assisted
me throughout the day. That would have
never been possible had he not been able
to stay so close at the Ronald McDonald
House. When we reminisce on that time
in my life, we always talk about how
much we would like to give back to your
organization for the priceless gift you all
gave us during such a difficult time.
“Please, never underestimate the
positive and life changing impact that
your organization has on the community
and families like mine. You all took such
a heavy burden off of me and my family
and made my situation so much better
than what it could have been. I’m still in
school and put money aside every week
to give in church and last week I felt led
to donate to Ronald McDonald House
Charities Detroit. I plan on donating
more in the future as I am able, because
anything I can contribute to a charity that
helps families in similar situations as mine
is worth it.”
PLANNED GIVINGWhen you choose to leave a legacy
gift to Ronald McDonald House
Charities Detroit, you’re ensuring
that the families of critically ill and
injured children have a supportive
and comfortable place to stay, just
minutes from their child for years to
come.
There are many ways to leave a
legacy gift to Ronald McDonald
House Charities Detroit, including:
• Making a bequest in your will
• Creating a charitable gift annuity
• Making a gift of life insurance
• Donating your retirement assets
• IRA Planned Giving
• Giving a gift of stocks or bonds
Your support will help us bolster
our endowment, creating a lasting
impact on the families of critically
ill and injured children for decades
to come. For more information
or assistance in setting up a
planned gift, contact Marketing
and Development Director,
Chrissy Cooper at 313-745-9487 or
Have you already chosen to leave
a legacy gift to Ronald McDonald
House Charities Detroit? Please
contact Chrissy and let us know!
PANTRY PARTNERSPantry Partners are crucial to making our House feel like a home. They adopt a month to provide RMHC Detroit with a portion of our House needs list for that month.
As a Pantry Partner, you’ll agree to purchase up to $500 worth of wishlist items for a month. You can hold a drive for cleaning products or snacks at your office or do a jeans day fundraiser and purchase all of the items through our Amazon Wishlist. Visit our website for more information or contact Nicky at [email protected].
HOME FRONT SPRING 2018
MAY 19, 2018
B R I A N G R E E N L E E M E M O R I A L G O L F O U T I N G
Warren Ave Golf Club Hosted by Bob Sivori and
Theresa Saputo
JUNE 1, 2018
V I N N I ’ S C H I L D R E N ’ S C H A R I T Y G O L F O U T I N G
Fieldstone Golf Club
JUNE 14, 2018
G R E E C E I N T H E G A R D E NRonald McDonald House
JULY 14, 2018
E S C A P E T O B E L L E I S L EBelle Isle Park
JULY 2018
M C B I K E R S R I D E & R A L LYWaterford, MI
AUGUST 1, 2018
L I N G E N F E LT E R D -3 E V E N TLingenfelter Collection
Brighton, MI
SEPTEMBER 2018
W H E E L I N ’ F O R R O N A L DRocks & Valleys Park
UPCOMING RMHCD EVENTS
AT A GLANCE
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:HELEN ADAMS AND JANE JONESWe always say that the Ronald
McDonald House in Detroit is a “House
upon entering and a home upon leaving.”
Part of what makes our House a home is
our dedicated volunteers like Jane Jones
and Helen Adams who give their time
and talents to help us run our front desk.
Our front desk volunteers are the first
smiling faces our families see when
they come through the door. Whether
they’ve been staying with us for months
or they’re walking in for the first time,
tired and bleary eyed, these volunteers
are rockstar hosts and make them feel
welcome. They help the family to their
room, give them a tour of the House,
and offer them something to eat.
Helen, pictured on the left, says she
spends her time here because she
enjoys working with the patients.
She used to work in Hutzel Women’s
Hospital, the very same building we’re
now in! She’s been here since 2016 and
was looking for somewhere to give back.
She says, “It really is a home away from
home here - these people are like family
to me.”
Jane, pictured right, worked for the city
of Detroit for 34 years and is retired. She
has also volunteered her time helping
seniors with their income taxes. One
day, she saw an advertisement from
Gardner White saying that RMHC Detroit
needed help at their House. In 2012, she
came down to the House and spoke with
Irma who gave her a tour and she was
touched. Jane is a computer whiz and
helps us with clerical work. She says, “I
just love it here, I like what it stands for
and what we do. It does my heart all the
good in the world to see people caring
about other people. It hurts my heart just
as bad when kids can’t go home. I tell
people, there is nothing we won’t do
for you.”
Thank you to Helen, Jane, and all of
our wonderful volunteers! This House
becomes a home because of you!
C H E C K O U T O U R W E B S I T E !www.rmhc-detroit.orgHOME FRONT SPRING 2018
BOARD OFFICERSJenna Wright-Greenman, President
Evan Perlekos, Vice President
Eric Lynn, Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS Shane A. BarryPaul BlanchardDora A. BrantleyYvette CampbellTami DamianiMark FreedmanSheri MarkJoel McCormick
Charlene Mitchell-RodgersLori MoutonPaxton PressprichRobert Reaves Brenda Robinson-Wright Teresa SaputoJeff Schneider
CONSULTANTSLiz Cezat, Public Relations
Gary Dembs, Expansion Campaign Adviser
Tim Cowley, CPA
EMERITUSAlan FrankGary GranaderJohn G. Levy
Frank MartinPaul Pellerito
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Harry Granader, in memoriam
Jack HertzlerDr. Jimmie LelesziDan Levitsky
Mary Pat McDougallMary RenkiewiczBarbara Wachler
JUNIOR BOARDRobert T. Reaves, President
John Li, Vice President
James CiennikAustin Darket Chris Haboian Jay Llaniguez Matthew Morgan
Andrea Nelson Hanan Rakine Drew Rhodes Carl RiveraOlta Sota
RMHC DETROIT STAFFJennifer LitomiskyExecutive Director
Linda PorterExecutive Assistant
Chrissy CooperMarketing & Development Director
Nicky BatesMarketing & Development Associate
Irma HudsonResident House Manager
Jackie KennedyHouse Manager
Mike McCoySpecial Events & House Maintenance Director
WEEKEND STAFFHelen AdamsJane DumasJacqueline GriffieRose NixTom Sherrill-NixJudy Poplawski
2 01 7 & 2 01 8 B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S A N D S T A F F
4707 St. Antoine, Suite 200Detroit, MI 48201
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
F O L LOW US O N S O C I AL M E DI A F O R R EGU L A R U PDAT E S A N D H E A RT F E LT ST O R I E S! CH EC K OU T OU R W E BSI T E !www.rmhc-detroit.orgwww.facebook.com/RMHCDetroit @rmhc_Detroit @rmhcdetroit